ideo-motor

Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English

adj. Applied to those actions, or muscular movements, which are automatic expressions of dominant ideas, rather than the result of distinct volitional efforts, as the act of expressing the thoughts in speech, or in writing, while the mind is occupied in the composition of the sentence.

from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

In physiology, a term applied by Dr. Carpenter to muscular movements resulting from complete engrossment by an idea. These he regarded as automatic, although originating in the cerebrum.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Examples

It means that the mental impression made upon him by the welcome and appetizing spectacle has caused a secretion of saliva and of gastric juice; that is to say, the brain has, through the ideo-motor set of nerves, sent a message which has dilated the vessels around the salivary and gastric glands, increased the flow of blood through them and quickened their secretion.

"Here, then, it is seen that we have a mechanism in the body, known to physiologists as the ideo-motor, or sensory motor system of nerves, which can produce, without the consciousness of the individual and automatically, a series of muscular contractions.